Nectarine tree named ‘Burnectnine’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  sub species  nuciperisica ), and which has been denominated varietally as ‘Burnectnine’, and which produces an attractively colored white-fleshed, aromatic, clingstone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 4 to June 11 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new, novel and distinct variety ofnectarine tree, Prunus persica (subspecies nucipersica), which has beendenominated varietally as ‘Burnectnine’.

ORIGIN

The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going programof fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is toimprove the commercial quality of deciduous fruit and nut varieties, androotstocks, by creating and releasing promising new selections ofprunus, malus and regia species. To this end we make both controlled andhybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedlingpopulations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling ‘Burnectnine’ was originated by us from a population ofseedlings grown in our experimental orchards located near Fowler, Calif.The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were the result of a controlledcross of the yellow-fleshed ‘Grand Diamond’ nectarine tree (U.S. PlantPat. No. 4,095), which was used as the seed parent, and an acidic,white-fleshed nectarine tree, ‘G3.006’ (unpatented) which was used asthe pollen parent. One seedling, which is the present variety, exhibitedespecially desirable characteristics, and was designated as ‘B17.011’,and was marked for subsequent observation. After the 1996 growingseason, the new variety was selected for advanced evaluation andrepropagation.

A SEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of nectarine treewas accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree variety to‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented). This was performed by us in ourexperimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequentevaluations have shown those asexual reproductions run true to theoriginal tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit,were established and appear to be transmitted through succeeding asexualpropagations. We have observed fruit for the past 6 successive yearsfrom approximately 15 propagated trees.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burnectnine’ is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which isof large size, and which has vigorous growth. The new nectarine treevariety is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large,firm, acidic, white fleshed, aromatic and clingstone fruit which havegood flavor, and eating quality. The tree of the present variety has amedium-high chilling requirement of approximately 700 hours. Stillfurther this tree also produces relatively uniformly sized fruitthroughout the tree and which have a high degree of red skin coloration,and a firm flesh. The fruit of this new tree also appears to have goodhandling and shipping qualities. Moreover, the ‘Burnectnine’ Nectarinetree bears fruit which are ripe for commercial harvesting and shipmenton approximately June 4 to June 11 under the ecological conditionsprevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relativecomparison to the ‘Grand Diamond’ nectarine tree, which is the seedparent, the fruit of the ‘Burnectnine’ nectarine tree ripens about 12 to14 days earlier and further is white fleshed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph ofthe present variety. It depicts two whole mature fruit, and one fruitdissected substantially in the equatorial plane, and viewed from theapical perspective to reveal the flesh color and the stone thereof. Theexternal coloration of the fruit is shown sufficiently matured forharvesting and shipment. Additionally the photograph displays avegetative shoot bearing typical leaves. The colors in this photographare as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representationof this type. Due to chemical development, processing, and printing, theleaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not beaccurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, futurecolor references should be made to the color plates (Royal HorticulturalSociety) and descriptions provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following was observed duringthe sixth fruiting season under the ecological conditions prevailing atorchards located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state ofCalifornia. All major color code designations are by reference to TheR.H.S. Colour Chart (Fourth Edition) provided by The Royal HorticulturalSociety of Great Britain.

Tree:

Size.—Generally — Considered medium large as compared to other commoncommercial nectarine cultivars ripening in the early to mid-season ofmaturity. The tree of the present variety was pruned to a height ofapproximately 280.0 cm to about 305.0 cm at maturity.

Vigor.—Considered vigorous. The present nectarine tree variety grew fromabout 149.0 cm to 164.0 cm in height during the first growing season.The new variety was pruned to a height of approximately 140.6 cm duringthe first dormant season and primary scaffolds were then selected forthe desired tree structure.

Productivity.—Productive. Fruit set varies from twice to several timesmore than the desired crop load. Fruit set is spaced by thinning todevelop the remaining fruit into the desired market size. The number offruit set varies with the prevailing climatic conditions, and culturalpractices during the bloom period and is therefore not distinctive ofthe variety.

Bearer.—Regular. Fruit set has been heavy, and thinning was necessaryduring the past 6 years.

Form.—Upright, and pruned to a vase shape.

Density.—Considered medium dense. It has been discovered that pruningthe branches from the center of the tree to obtain a resulting vaseshape allows for air movement and appropriate amounts of sunlight toenhance fruit color and renewal of fruiting wood throughout the tree.

Hardiness.—The present tree was grown and evaluated in USDA HardinessZone 9. The winter chilling requirements of the new tree areapproximately 750 hours below 7.0 degrees C. The new variety alsoappears to be hardy under typical Central San Joaquin Valley climaticconditions.

Trunk:

Diameter.—Approximately 12.5 cm in diameter when measured at a distanceof approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level, at the end of the sixthgrowing season.

Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous folds of paperyscarfskin being present.

Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The lenticelsrange in size in size from approximately 4.0 to about 7.0 millimeters inwidth, and from 1.0 to about 2.0 millimeters in height.

Lenticel color.—Considered an orange brown, (RHS Greyed Orange GroupN167 C).

Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to be a browncolor, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 166 A).

Branches:

Size.—Considered average for the variety.

Diameter.—Average as compared to other varieties. The branches have adiameter of about 6.1 centimeters when measured during the sixth yearafter grafting.

Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood, which isseveral years old.

Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable and betweenabout 46 to 54 degrees from the horizontal axis. This characteristic isnot considered distinctive of the variety, however.

Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially glabrous.

Internode length.—Approximately 2.3 to about 2.6 cm.

Color of mature branches.—Medium brown, (RHS Greyed Orange Group 176 C).

Current seasons shoots.—Color — Light green, (RHS Yellow Green GroupN144 B). The color of new shoot tips is considered a bright and shinygreen (RHS Green Group 143 B).

Leaves:

Size.—Considered medium for the species. Leaf measurements have beensecured from vigorous, upright, current-season growth taken atapproximately mid-shoot.

Leaf length.—Approximately 132.0 to about 135.0 millimeters.

Leaf width.—Approximately 35.0 to about 40.0 millimeters.

Leaf base shape.—Slightly oblique relative to the leaf longitudinalaxis.

Leaf form.—Lancelolate.

Leaf tip form.—Acuminate.

Leaf color.—Dark green, (approximately RHS Green Group 137 A).

Leaf texture.—Glabrous.

Lower leaf surface color.—Medium green, (RHS Green Group 137 C).

Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.

Mid-vein.—Color — Light yellow green, (RHS Yellow Green Group 145 C).

Leaf margins.—Slightly undulating. Form — Considered crenate, andoccasionally doubly crenate. Uniformity — Considered generally uniform.

Leaf petioles.—Size — Considered medium. Length — about 7.0 to about10.0 mm. Diameter — about 2.0 to about 2.5 mm. Color — Pale green, (RHSGreen Group 143 C).

Leaf glands.—Size — Moderately small, about 1.0 mm in height, and about2.0 mm in width. Number — Generally one per side, occasionally two perside. Type — Reniform, and considered reasonably unappressed relative tothe petiole margin. Color — Orange brown, (RHS Grey Brown Group N199 C).

Leaf stipules.—Size — Medium for the variety. Number — Typically 2 perleaf bud and up to 6 per shoot tip. Form — Lanceolate in form and havinga serrated margin. Color — Green, (RHS Green Group 141 B) when young,but graduating to a brown color, (RHS Greyed Orange group 166 C) withadvancing senescence. The stipules are considered to be early deciduous.

Flowers:

Flower buds.—Generally — The floral buds, depending upon the stage ofdevelopment, are approximately 6.0 millimeters wide; and about 10.0millimeters long; conic in form; and slightly appressed relative to thebearing shoot.

Flower buds.—Color — The bud scales are reddish-brown, (approximatelyRHS Greyed Purple Group 183 B). The buds are considered hardy undertypical central San Joaquin Valley climatic conditions.

Hardiness.—No winter injury has been noted during the last several yearsof evaluation in the central San Joaquin Valley. The current variety hasnot been intentionally subjected to drought or heat stress and thereforethis information is not available.

Date of first bloom.—Mar. 1, 2002.

Blooming time.—Considered mid-season in relative comparison to othercommercial nectarine cultivars grown in the central San Joaquin Valley.Date of full bloom was observed on Mar. 7, 2002. The date of bloomvaries slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions and culturalpractices.

Duration of bloom.—Approximately 11 days. This characteristic variesslightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.

Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy type flower.

Flower size.—Flower diameter at full bloom is approximately 40.0 toabout 43.0 millimeters.

Bloom quantity.—Considered abundant.

Flower bud frequency.—Normally 1 to 2 flower buds appear per node.

Petal size.—Generally — Considered large for the species. Length —Approximately 20.0 to about 22.0 millimeters. Width — Approximately 18.0to about 21.0 millimeters.

Petal form.—Rotund.

Petal count.—Nearly always 5.

Petal texture. —Glabrous.

Petal color.—Variable, from a light pink, (RHS Red Purple Group N57 D)to a medium pink, (RHS Red Purple Group N57 C).

Fragrance.—Slight.

Petal claw.—Form — The claw is considered truncate and has a medium sizewhen compared to other varieties. Length — Approximately 7.0 to about9.0 millimeters. Width — Approximately 6.0 to about 7.0 millimeters.

Petal margins.—Generally considered variable, from nearly smooth, tomoderately undulate.

Petal apex.— Generally — The petal apices generally appear entire withthe apical groove.

Flower pedicel.—Length — Considered medium-long, and having an averagelength of approximately 4.0 to about 5.0 millimeters. Diameter —Considered average, approximately 2.0 millimeters. Color — A mediumbrown, (RHS Greyed Red Group 178 B).

Floral nectaries.—Color — A pale green, (RHS Yellow Green Group N144 A).

Calyx.—Surface Texture — Generally glabrous. Color — A dull red,(approximately RHS Greyed Purple Group 183 A).

Sepals.—Surface Texture — The surface has a short, fine, pubescenttexture. Size — Average, and ovate in form. Color — A dark reddishpurple, (approximately RHS Greyed Purple Group 187 A).

Anthers.—Generally — Large in size. Color — Reddish purple,(approximately RHS Greyed Purple Group 187 C).

Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow color,(approximately RHS Yellow Group 12 A).

Filaments.—Size — Variable in length, approximately 17.0 to about 19.0millimeters. Color — Considered a pale pink, (RHS Red Purple Group 62D).

Pistil.—Number — Usually 1, rarely 2. Generally — Average in size.Length — Approximately 16.0 to about 19.0 millimeters including theovary. Color — Considered pale green, (approximately RHS Yellow GreenGroup 145 B). Surface Texture — The variety has a long glabrous pistil.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.— Firm ripe condition (shipping ripe). Date offirst picking — Jun. 4, 2002. Date of last picking — Jun. 13, 2002. Thedate of harvest varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Size.—Generally — Considered relatively large, and uniform.

Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 76.0 to about 78.0 millimeters.

Average axial diameter.—Approximately 72.0 to about 75.0 millimeters.

Typical weight.—Approximately 231.0 grams. This characteristic is highlydependent upon the prevailing cultural practices and therefore is notparticularly distinctive of the variety.

Fruit form.—Generally — Moderately oblate. The fruit is generallyuniform in its symmetry.

Fruit suture.—Shallow, and extending from the base to the apex. Noapparent callousing or stitching exists along the suture line.

Suture.—Color — The background color appears to be white, (approximatelyRHS White Group 155 C), and occasionally some red coloration is evident,(approximately RHS Red Group 46 C).

Ventral surface.—Form — Slightly indented.

Apex.—Rounded.

Base.—Retuse.

Stem cavity.—Rounded and relatively shallow. The average depth of thestem cavity is about 1.62 cm. The average width of the stem cavity isabout 1.86 cm.

Fruit skin.—Thickness — Considered medium in thickness, and tenacious tothe flesh. Texture — Short, fine, and glabrous. Taste — Non-astringent.Tendency to crack — No cracking has been observed. Occasional russetingcan be observed.

Blush color.—The red blush color is variable from a reddish orange,(approximately RHS Red Group 42 B), to a dark red, (approximately RHSRed Group 46 A). The blush color ranges from about 75% to about 95% ofthe fruit surface depending upon the sunlight exposure and theprevailing growing conditions. Ground Color — Generally a yellow-white,(approximately RHS White Group 155 D).

Fruit stem.—Moderate in length, approximately 6.0 to about 7.0millimeters. Diameter — Approximately 2.0 to about 3.0 millimeters.Color — A brown, (approximately RHS Greyed Orange Group 164 C).

Flesh.—Ripens — Evenly. Texture — Firm, and dense. Considered melting.Fibers — Few, small, and tender ones may be found. Aroma — Veryfragrant. Considered aromatic. Eating Quality — Very good. Flavor —Considered sweet and acidic in flavor. The flavor is considered bothpleasant and balanced. Juice Production — Moderate. Brix — About 14.5degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the number of fruitper tree; the prevailing cultural practices; and the surroundingclimatic conditions. Flesh Color — Pale white, (approximately RHS WhiteGroup 155 D).

Stone:

Type.—Clingstone.

Size.—Considered medium large for the variety. The stone size varieswith prevailing crop load and tree vigor, and is therefore notcharacteristic of the variety.

Length.—Average, about 25.5 to about 27.0 millimeters.

Width.—Average, about 22.0 to about 24.0 millimeters.

Diameter.—Average, about 17.0 to about 21.0 millimeters.

Form.—Obovoid.

Base.—The stone is usually oblique relative to the stone's verticalaxis.

Apex.—Shape — The stone apex is raised and has an acute, protruding tip.

Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Irregularly furrowed toward apex, andpitted toward the base. The stone exhibits substantial groovinglaterally. Substantial grooving over the apical shoulders is normallyevident. Surface pitting is more prominent generally, and noted morefrequently in the mid-section of the stone. Ridges — The surface texturevaries from sharp to rounded. Ventral Edge — Width — Considered medium,and having a dimension of approximately 2.0 to about 4.0 millimeters atthe mid-suture. The wings are most prominent over the suture line.Dorsal Edge — Shape — Full, heavily grooved, and having jagged edges.The dorsal edge is significantly eroded over the apical shoulder.

Stone color.—(Approximately RHS Orange White Group 159 D).

Tendency to split.—Occasional splits have been observed.

Kernel.—Size — Kernel is considered average. Length — Approximately 20.0millimeters. Width — Approximately 12.0 millimeters Thickness —Approximately 4.0 millimeters. Form — Considered ovoid. Pellicle —Pubescence. Color — Considered to be a pale brown (Greyed Orange GroupN167 B).

Use.—The new nectarine tree variety ‘Burnectnine’ is considered to be atree of the early to mid-season of maturity, and which produces fruitwhich are considered firm, attractively colored, and which are usefulfor both local and long distance shipping.

Keeping quality.—Excellent. Fruit has stored well up to 25 days afterharvest at about 1.0 degree Celsius.

Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit produced by the new tree showedminimal bruising of the flesh or other skin damage after being subjectedto normal harvesting and packing procedures.

Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular susceptibilities werenoted. The present variety has not been tested to expose or detect anysusceptibilities or resistances to any known plant and/or fruitdiseases.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics when grown under the ecological conditions prevailingnear Fowler, Calif., in the central part of the San Joaquin Valley ofCalifornia, it should be understood that variations of the usualmagnitude and characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural management are tobe expected.

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety nectarine tree,what we claim is new and desire to secure by Plant Letters Patent is: 1.A new distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantially as illustratedand described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty byproducing an attractively colored white-fleshed, clingstone nectarinewhich is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 4 to June11 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valleyof Central California.